Be a Giving Church

Wednesday of the 1st week of Advent

Matthew 15:29-37

Perhaps you might have heard about the story of the giving tree: ""Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave..."

God we know has always been a giving God who gives what is best for his children.  He causes us to have life.

Can we also be a giving Church?  As God is, as children of the Lord, we are called to be such.What are the marks of a giving Church?

First, Jesus cared for his flock.  Everywhere, he cured them of their infirmities.  We can also partake of this gift by being genuinely concerned with one another the moment we see them.

Second, Jesus shared his word.  They followed him even to the point of being hungry was because they hungered for his word.  I believe despite the seeming independence of the youth, they still hunger for instruction and righteousness.

Third, Jesus gave thanks to the Heavenly Father, the source of every good gift, even Jesus himself.  The mercy of God overflows to us, co-givers of his great gifts.  Let our even thought, word, prayer, and action be guided by our offering and thanks to God.

As God is the Great giver, the Church becomes giver herself.